Directory_and_Chronicle_1889 — Page 301

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HONGKONG.

philanthropic institution for the benefit of poor Chinese. The Government Central School, a most important institution, having some six hundred pupils, is very badly housed at present, but will soon be removed to a stately and commodious structure, to be called Victoria College, now just completed. The Tung Wa Hospital, a Chinese institution, occupies a large and roomy building. The Barracks for the garrison are large, and constructed with great regard to the health and comfort of the troops, and the buildings belonging to the Naval Establishment are substantial and spacious. A new and spacious Central Market is in course of erection on the site of the old one, and a temporary market has been constructed on the water frontage to supply accom- modation in the meantime. The building of the Hongkong and Shanghai Bank is large, handsome, and massive, and would do credit to any city. The Praya wall, which was reconstructed in 1879-80, is a work of much solidity and strength, reflecting the greatest credit on the Survey Department. The Clock Tower, near Pedder's Wharf, was erected by public subscription in 1862, and the illuminated clock was presented to the Colony by the firm of Messrs. Douglas Lapraik & Co.

The chief religious buildings are: S. John's Cathedral (Anglican), which oc cupies a commanding site above the Parade Ground, and is a Gothic church of considerable size but with few pretensions to architecture. It haз a square tower, with pinnacles, over the western porch, and possesses a peal of bells. A handsome stained window in the east end, over the altar, is the chief adornment of the interior. It also possesses a fine three-manual organ containing 47 stops, erected in 1887. S. Peter's (Seamen's) Church, at West Point, close to the Sailors' Home, is a neat Gothic erection with

a spire. It also has a stained glass window, presented in 1878. Union Church is a pleasing edifice in the Italian style of architecture, with a spire, and contains accommodation for about 500 persons. The Roman Catholic Cathedral, now near- ing completion, is situated in Glenealy ravine, near the Public Gardens, and is a fine structure in the Gothic style. S. Joseph's Church, in Garden Road, is a neat edifice erected in 1876 on the site of one destroyed by the great typhoon of 1874; and there are several smaller Catholic mission churches. There is also a Jewish Synagogue in Staunton Street, and a Mahomedan Mosque in Mosque Street. S. Joseph's College, a school for boys managed by the Christian Brothers, oc- cupies a large and handsome building on a commanding site in the centre of the city. The Roman Catholics possess a Reformatory for Chinese boys and several charitable and educational institutions which are very efficiently managed. Other denominations likewise support establishments of the same character, conspicuous among which are the Diocesan Home and Orphanage, the German Foundling House, Baxter Vernacular School, &c.

The Protestant, Roman Catholic, Parsee, Jewish, and Mahomedan Cemeteries oc- cupy sites in Wong-nai Chung Valley, and are kept in good order. The Protestant Cemetery is almost a rival to the Public Gardens, being admirably laid out and charm- ingly situated.

There are several Clubs in the Colony. The principal are the Hongkong Club, the Club Germania, in Wyndham Street, the Lusitano Club in Shelley Street, and the Masonic Club in Icehouse Street. There is a Recreation Club, which possesses Bath and Boat houses on the Praya near the Cricket Ground, a Cricket Club, a Rifle Association, and a Yacht Club, all kept up with considerable spirit.

The annual races are held at the latter end of February, under the auspices of the Hongkong Jockey Club, on the Race Course in Wong-nai Chung Valley, at the east end of the town, a beautiful spot enclosed by fir-clad hills. On this occasion the whole colony makes holiday, and the stands and course are crowded with one of the most motley collections of bumanity to be seen in any part of the world. Most of the races are run with North China ponies, and there is generally good sport. A regatta is held in December in the barbour, but it does not evoke the same enthusiasm as the races. Athletic Sports are also got up every year by the residents and the garrison, and occasional swimming matches and boat races take place. There is an Amateur Dramatic Club, the members of